nubby

adjective

ˈnə-bē How to pronounce nubby (audio)
Definition of nubbynext
as in nubbly
having small pieces or lumps spread throughout a nubby yarn that produces bumpy fabrics when woven

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nubby Microfiber absorbs four times more moisture than cotton and the nubby texture grabs and holds onto soil until it is washed away. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026 Beyond batter and dough, nut flours lend delicate flavor and nubby texture to drinks such as a horchata, help thicken sauces, and make a creamy and decadent pastry layer. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 The piece fell to her ankles in a soft, pale pink fabric with a nubby, plush surface and a structured collar. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026 Why else show nubby fleece trousers with a coordinating striped jacket, which nobody needs but would be a hoot to wear? — Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nubby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nubby
  1. nubbly
  2. lumpy
  3. thick
  4. chunky
  5. clumpy
Adjective
  • Lifting the lid revealed a small tart topped with a tongue of Spanish sea urchin, resting on a nubbly bed of cancha nuts.
    — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
Definition of nubbly
Adjective
  • There’s no way a V6 can produce the deep, lumpy, mechanical thunder of a V8.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The pumpkin champ this year will win $9 per pound of pumpkin and have their lumpy gourd showcased during a parade through Half Moon Bay this weekend.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of lumpy
Adjective
  • The public promenade that wraps around the bay in front of the hotel invites walkers, runners, and bikers to explore the historic pathway that leads to the thick, lush pine forest at the edge of the sea.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Bake chicken until deeply browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh registers 165°, 25–30 minutes.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of thick
Adjective
  • That includes colorblock styling, chunky knobs and physical controls, and simple shapes that make each device memorable and distinctive.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Classic loafers and chunky socks lean into the slightly offbeat charm.
    — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of chunky
Adjective
  • The even mixing of the isotopes suggests that it was formed from fine dust grains rather than clumpy, coarser material.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The clam chowder is perfectly balanced and not at all clumpy or overly thickened, and the lobster roll is one of the best in all of Boston.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of clumpy

Browse Nearby Words

nubbly
nubby
nubile
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nubby. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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